Scrolling for Strength: How Instagram Is Reshaping Young Men's Body Image

In this episode, we explore how Instagram influencers are quietly reshaping what it means to “look like a man.” Because of social media, parents need to talk to their sons about their bodies. Drawing on insights from a recent academic study, we unpack the impact of idealized, hyper-muscular male images online—and how they’re affecting young men’s mental health. From body dissatisfaction to disordered eating, we discuss the psychological toll of social comparison, the role of self-schema, and the pressure to measure up. Featuring a mix of content analysis, expert interviews, and influencer perspectives, this episode asks: what happens when masculinity gets filtered? And how can we reclaim a healthier vision of the male body?